This episode pulls back the curtain on the shocking breakup of Genius Bar, the podcast co-hosted by Sam Kohl and Jon Prosser. Sam joins Andru Edwards, host of Geared Up, to share for the first time what really happened behind the scenes. The honest, sometimes painful conversations and revelations that led to the end of his creative partnership and friendship with Jon Prosser. The discussion exposes how financial tension, personal disappointment, and broken trust can change everything, even after years of success together.

Then we dive straight into the drama swirling around Jon Prosser, as Apple files a lawsuit that has set the tech world buzzing. Sam and Andru unpack the legal allegations against Prosser, the mystery of the anonymous email tip, and what it’s like to find your name and former co-host splashed across headlines for all the wrong reasons. It’s a rare look at how quickly trust can unravel when big money and bigger risks collide in the YouTube ecosystem.

Then we take a deep dive into the next wave of iPhone rumors, with speculation and hot takes on the iPhone 17 lineup. Sam and Andru debate the real-world appeal of a super-thin iPhone 17 Air, two-tone design leaks of the 17 Pro, new camera systems, and even the possibility of reverse wireless charging.

The conversation shifts to Apple’s latest betas, including all the buzz around iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe updates - especially the new Liquid Glass interface. Hear first-hand impressions on how Liquid Glass has split the community, what’s actually better (and worse) about the new features, and why these subtle design changes are sparking heated debates among creators, power users, and everyday fans. From accessibility concerns to the future of Apple UI, nothing is off the table in this deep-dive on the software that shapes our devices.

Next, things get personal and surprisingly relatable as we trade stories about the realities of owning Teslas in 2025. From the headache of parking a Cybertruck in LA to the rush of chasing tax credits and timing new model releases, they unpack the true cost (and joy) of electric vehicles. The conversation gets into Tesla’s shifting lineup, what it’s really like to sell an EV in today’s market, and why even loyal Tesla fans are eyeing competitors like Rivian. The two also zoom out to speculate on where EV tech is heading, including bold predictions on humanoid robots and how AI could change our daily lives next.

This episode is a candid, wide-ranging look at what happens when friendship, business, technology, and ambition collide. If you want an inside view on the pressures of creating in public, the risks and rewards of the creator economy, and what it really takes to walk away from something you built, this is the conversation you can’t miss.

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This episode features special guest Michael Fisher (Mr. Mobile) and explores why foldable smartphones remain a niche, with less than 2 percent of buyers ever having used one. Major barriers include Android exclusivity, iPhone user lock-in, limited mainstream interest, and high prices. Apple’s reputation for turning obscure categories mainstream raises the question of whether a future iPhone Fold would legitimize the segment or simply reveal how little consumer appetite there really is for foldables.

Hosts:  @Andru  &  @jon4lakers  
Guest:  @TheMrMobile 

Apple’s arrival in any product category can rapidly shift consumer perception, lending instant credibility to what was once seen as a novelty. Despite six-plus years and multiple iterations from Samsung and others, foldables have struggled to gain widespread traction, even as innovation continues. Real-world statistics show that adoption is slow and interest is still tightly linked to brand loyalty and ecosystem lock-in, rather than just hardware features.

Hands-on experience with Samsung’s Galaxy Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 highlights key improvements in ergonomics, camera systems, outer screen usability, and battery life. However, fast charging remains a notable weakness compared to competitors. Other technical debates include the ongoing value of S-Pen support, the importance of thinness versus durability, and how Chinese brands are advancing the market, though often at the cost of software polish or US market compatibility.

A major segment covers Apple’s lawsuit against Jon Prosser over leaked iOS 26 details and device trade secrets. The panel discusses the legal and ethical lines between tech journalism, leaks, and trade secret theft, contrasting the current case with past experiences and lawsuits in the industry. Topics include privacy expectations for employees, Apple’s approach to leaks, and the impact such lawsuits have on creators, reporters, and the broader tech community.

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Apple’s AI ambitions hit a major speed bump at WWDC this year. From last-minute delays on Siri features to Mark Gurman’s revelations about internal alarm bells, this episode takes you behind the scenes of Apple’s AI crisis. We’ll break down how Craig Federighi’s hands-on testing exposed critical flaws and why Apple’s lean investment strategy may have backfired. 

The conversation reveals how internal decisions, such as delaying AI feature rollouts by a full year, signaled a broader leadership disconnect within the company. Federighi’s own tests showed a startling disparity between what was promised and what was actually working. That gap in execution has placed Apple behind rivals like Google and OpenAI.

What role does Tim Cook play in this? As the CEO, his direction - or lack thereof - has now come under scrutiny. The podcast unpacks how executive decisions from the top have rippled across departments, affecting everything from product timelines to public trust. Apple's frugal approach, while often seen as financially prudent, may have hindered critical innovation.

We also dive into what Apple’s AI roadmap must look like to stay competitive. From launching a working Siri upgrade to developing a true chatbot under the internal codename "Knowledge," Apple needs a foundational reboot in how it views and builds AI experiences. Failure to act swiftly could result in a loss of consumer and developer confidence.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, Apple watcher, or concerned investor, this episode sheds light on the high-stakes decisions shaping Apple’s future in AI. With clear takeaways and expert insights, it’s your best guide to understanding how Apple can, and must, course-correct.

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Straight from Apple Park at WWDC 2025, Andru Edwards, TechMe0ut, Kevin the Tech Ninja, Stephen Robles break down everything Apple just announced. This episode is a full debrief on the major platform shifts: iOS 26, macOS 26 (Tahoe), iPadOS 26, VisionOS 26, and the all-new Liquid Glass design language that transforms how every Apple platform looks and feels.

iOS 26 brings a mix of practical upgrades and AI-infused enhancements. We talk about the new call screening and Hold Assist features that are tailor-made for anyone who hates phone trees, the smarter and more private Apple Intelligence tools that live entirely on-device, and how group chat just got an upgrade with polls, read receipts, and background customizations. Plus, there's the redesigned Camera app and a dedicated Games app finally making iOS more fun and flexible.

macOS 26 Tahoe is all about productivity. Spotlight got a serious brain upgrade: you can now launch shortcuts, summarize PDFs, and trigger AI workflows right from the search bar. The new customizable folders and Live Activities make the desktop more dynamic, while Liquid Glass touches give everything a more fluid, transparent look. It's macOS reimagined to be both more powerful and more approachable.

iPadOS 26 finally delivers the windowed multitasking experience we've been waiting for. You get Mac-style app windows, a draggable menu bar, better file management, and background exports in Final Cut. For people who want desktop-level productivity with tablet portability, this is the iPad update to watch.

visionOS 26 pushes the spatial computing envelope. From lifelike Personas to persistent, room-anchored widgets, Vision Pro feels more immersive and personal than ever. We dive into the new Jupiter environment, support for 360-degree video playback, spatial scenes, and a better system for sharing environments in real-time with people in the same room or across the world.

And Liquid Glass is a whole new visual language. Think depth, translucency, and UI that responds to light and motion. Whether it’s in widgets, the lock screen, or native apps, this new design makes Apple’s platforms feel unified and futuristic. Stick around for a sharp, honest take on what’s hype, and what’s actually going to change your workflow.

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This episode of Geared Up dives into the state of Apple Intelligence and the larger implications of Apple's AI strategy - but that's just the beginning. Jon Rettinger and Andru Edwards open with a passionate breakdown of why Apple’s long-awaited foray into AI has become one of its most disappointing product efforts to date. With features like Genmoji and writing assistance that feel underwhelming, and more ambitious tools like Siri’s personal context still missing in action, they argue Apple has lost its AI credibility, and possibly its lead in consumer trust. 

But that’s only part of the show. The conversation expands to a fascinating look at the latest iPhone 17 hardware leaks, including the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air and the controversial new visor design. What are the tradeoffs of a 5.5mm thick smartphone? Can Apple maintain battery life and camera quality in such a thin device? John and guest Quinn Nelson dissect what this design direction means, especially for power users and iPhone Max fans.

Quinn also shares firsthand insights into the self-driving space with his deep dive into the Comma 3X - a DIY, open-source driving assistant that’s outperforming most built-in systems. He explains how it works, what it’s capable of, and why it represents a fascinating alternative to Tesla’s FSD. This isn’t just theoretical tech - he’s installed it in his Rivian and shares real-world results, strengths, and limitations.

Rounding out the episode is an alternate history segment that explores a tantalizing what-if: what if Apple had bought Android in 2005? The discussion considers how mobile tech could have evolved, the role of Samsung, the collapse of competition, and the future of platform control. It’s a blend of speculation and strategy that will fascinate any student of tech history.

If you care about smartphones, AI, autonomy, or the decisions that shape the tech industry, this episode packs all of it in. From present-day failures to future visions and speculative histories, it’s one of our most thought-provoking yet.

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Tech legend John Gruber joins Andru Edwards and Jon Rettinger to unravel the story behind Apple Intelligence and its delayed features in this episode of Geared Up. From early WWDC promises to today's reality, they dissect how Apple got comfortable showcasing features it didn't hav eready, and what that says about their internal culture, marketing strategy, and the future of Siri.

Something is Rotten in the State of Cupertino: https://daringfireball.net/2025/03/something_is_rotten_in_the_state_of_cupertino

Gruber shares rare behind-the-scenes insights, including his personal evolution in covering Apple and the moment he realized the company had broken a decades-long precedent. The trio also explores the rocky launch of Vision Pro, Apple's approach to foldables, and why Apple Maps is a cautionary tale for Apple Intelligence.

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Apple is making big moves, and the latest rumors suggest a foldable iPhone is on the way - possibly called the iPhone Ultra! With reports indicating that Apple is working on a book-style foldable design, this could be one of the most significant products in company history. We explore the rumors, including potential specs, design choices, and how Apple’s take on foldables may stand out from the competition with Mark Gurman of Bloomberg.

Beyond the iPhone Ultra, Apple is also revamping its entire product lineup. From the latest iPad updates to upcoming MacBook changes, we analyze how Apple’s broader hardware strategy is evolving. Additionally, Apple Intelligence - a key component of the company’s AI push - has faced significant delays. Could this impact Apple’s competitive edge against companies like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI?

On the software side, Apple is planning a massive redesign of iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16 this year at WWDC to create a more unified experience. With changes inspired by visionOS, Apple’s approach to UI consistency could reshape how we interact with their devices. But is Apple merging its operating systems too aggressively, or is this the right move to future-proof its ecosystem?

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AI has been hyped up like the world’s next superstar athlete, but when it comes time to perform, has it actually stuck the landing? In this episode, we dive into the state of AI today, breaking down what’s working, what’s failing, and how companies like Apple, Google, and OpenAI are shaping the future.

We discuss Apple Intelligence, its delayed rollout, and whether Apple’s privacy-first approach is actually hurting its AI capabilities. Plus, what’s going on with AI-generated images, the evolution of Siri, and the battle between Google Gemini, ChatGPT, and Apple’s attempts to keep up. And of course, we analyze whether companies are just slapping "AI" on everything from bird feeders to massage chairs to sell more products.

On top of that, we discuss T-Mobile’s partnership with Starlink and the conspiracy theories running rampant about Elon Musk tracking everything. Also, are we witnessing the slow demise of TikTok in the U.S.? Taylor Lorenz joins the discussion to break it all down.

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In this episode, we dive deep into how the iPhone 15 reveals Apple may not have anticipated the rise of AI. Did the company get caught off-guard, and what does this mean for future products? We discuss whether Apple’s frugal hardware approach left them unprepared for the AI revolution. Join us as we break down Apple’s response to AI’s rapid growth, the future of Apple Intelligence, and what this means for upcoming devices like the iPhone SE.

Sponsored by Thinkie: Train your brain in under 60 seconds! https://www.thinkiesystem.com 

• Jon Prosser on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@frontpagetech
• Andru Edwards on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Andru
• Jon Rettinger on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jon4lakers
• Circuit Breaker: My Weekly Tech Newsletter

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Watch the video version: https://youtu.be/1YOi0r3vptQ

We dive deep into Apple’s privacy policies and features with exclusive insights from Katie Skinner, Apple’s User Privacy Engineering Manager, and Sandy Parakilas, Apple’s Privacy Product Marketing Lead. Andru Edwards went to Apple Park to get the answers to some of the most pressing questions about privacy, security, and how Apple integrates these elements into every product. As Apple often says, privacy is a fundamental human right, and this video will give you an understanding of how that stance impacts you as an everyday user.

We go over key features like App Tracking Transparency, which gives you control over which apps can track your activity, and the detailed privacy nutrition labels that provide transparency about app data usage. From Face ID’s secure authentication to the data minimization principle, Apple is committed to protecting your personal information at every level.

We also tackle some common misconceptions head-on. Are apps listening to you all the time? Does Apple store your Face ID and Touch ID data? The conversation also touches on how Apple handles requests from governments for user data and their firm stance on not creating backdoors for law enforcement, reinforcing their commitment to user privacy.

When it comes to new features, we get into the privacy assurances of the recently announced Apple Intelligence at WWDC 2024. Learn how these advancements continue to prioritize privacy without compromising on convenience. Whether it’s through on-device intelligence or private cloud compute, Apple ensures that your data is used responsibly and transparently. This video is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding how Apple is setting the standard for privacy in the tech industry.

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